Redeemed

I had so many thoughts during my too very different runs this Easter weekend. The details and responsibilities of my life often crowd my thoughts and deter any serious or perhaps lengthy contemplation. Often running time is that time for me- time to consider the big picture, time to pray, and time to plan. However, it pretty easy for my mind to wander back to the concerns themselves and to get stuck on an issue or two. In order to assist my need for a soul-refreshment as well, I've been 'redeeming' my running time by listening to sermons or bible teaching. This was particularly helpful this weekend as I truly wanted to participate in the remembrance of Christ's death and the celebration of His resurrection.

So, the teaching I listened to on Saturday's longer run and on Sunday's short run was on 1st Peter in a series by Mark Driscoll. It was about trial and rejoicing in trial because there is nothing more valuable to us than our faith... our faith which is 'imperishable, undefiled..'. The reason we can rejoice and glory in our grief (that comes from trials in life) is because we know that our faith is being refined and strengthened and that it will produce wonderful things for us in heaven when we are finally home with our Lord Jesus. It isn't that the trials don't and shouldn't hurt, it is that the end result is glorious.

I've always found myself recognizing things around me as symbolic of my relationship with God and with spiritual truths. The runs weren't fun this weekend- not physically. I allowed myself to take walk breaks every 10 minutes on the long run and though I pushed my speed a little on my shorter run, I still gasped for a few breaks in those 30 minutes. I thought as I finished my run on Sunday that even though this process of getting back into shape is fairly uncomfortable... that the end result is worth the pain and trouble.. how much more should I embrace those things in my life that can produce spiritual maturity?

I'm exceedingly thankful for the redemption offered to me through Christ Jesus and thankful for redeemed running time this weekend.